MLB: A look inside the new Marlins Park

The Miami Marlins unveiled their new downtown stadium on Wednesday for opening night of the regular season.

Miami Marlins starting pitcher Josh Johnson, left, throws the first pitch of the regular season at the new Marlins Park during the Opening Day baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Wednesday, April 4, 2012, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

MIAMI - Now that the major-league teams have packed up their things and headed north after their annual ritual of spring training, baseball aficionados in South Florida might feel some withdrawal symptoms.

But take heart, fans, there is a brand new shrine to the national pastime just a short trip away. You won't even need to cross an ocean to get there — just a big swamp.

The Miami Marlins opened their new ballpark Wednesday night against the St. Louis Cardinals. Although the Fish lost the game 4-1 — and didn't register a hit until the seventh inning — the grand opening was still a success.

"It's great. I've been a Marlins fan since day one" Jeff Nettleman said after being the first fan to pass through the gates of Marlins Park. "The whole park is great. I mean we are in here now and it is cool. Outside it is 89 degrees."

"They've got potential they never had before," Commissioner Bud Selig said of the newest big-league stadium.

The sellout crowd of 36,601 came from all over Florida to welcome the Marlins to their new home. Some drove in from distances far greater than Collier County.

Rich Driscoll, 62, and his wife, Sam, drove all the way from Jacksonville to be there.

"It was a long, tiring drive for us, but we wouldn't have missed it for the world.," Rich said. "We've both been Marlins fans since they were the only team Florida had to root for but we never got a chance to see them in person. We decided today was the perfect time."

"It was a great excuse for a road trip," said Sam Baker, who made the drive from Daytona. "I had to see the new stadium after all the good stuff I heard about it."

With the Everglades standing between the two coasts of Florida, the distance can seem a bit daunting for some on the Gulf side. But if the colorful and spirited atmosphere of opening night is any indication, the drive is well worth it for the residents of Collier County. Depending on your whereabouts in Southwest Florida, a drive to the new stadium can take as little as two hours using Alligator Alley and Interstate 95.

For those that decide to make the trip, the new park features a whole slew of amenities that weren't available at Sun Life Stadium. Highlights of the new $551 million park include a retractable roof, a swimming pool and lounge beyond the left field fence, as well as a marine aquarium embedded in the backstop behind home plate.

"Everyone should feel at home here," Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria said. "This is a place to celebrate baseball, art and the union of our great diversity. At Marlins Park, we're going to see families, neighbors, friends, visitors, and they'll enjoy this great stadium that connects the past to the future."

Another unique feature of the ballpark is the 75-foot sculpture in center field that lights up and sends giant painted marlins into motion after a Miami player hits a home run. Although it has been widely panned since it was first announced, the fans in attendance on Wednesday seemed to be warming up to the creation, even though it didn't get any use on opening night.

"It's kind of weird," Baker said. "But I think it fits with this city. I mean, it isn't the kind of thing you would see at Wrigley or something, but here it works."

"I think the home run area is my favorite," admitted Nettleman. "I like it."

If you want to see the theatrics, though, you will have to buy a ticket. After finishing in the bottom three of the league in attendance every year since 2005 (and in 10 of the last 11 seasons), the new park is expected to be a big draw. Tickets start at $13 for reserved seating in the 300 level and range all the way up to $250 for a club level box seat. A typical baseline reserved seat will cost around $35.

No matter where your ticket happens to be, you are assured of a 360-degree view without obstruction.

Parking around the stadium can be difficult. On-site parking is extremely limited and can only accommodate a total of 5,700 vehicles. According to the team, approximately 8,000 parking spaces are available from private residences around the park but prices can reach as high as $30. Some independent options may includes walks as far as two miles from the stadium. If possible, fans should take advantage of the prepaid option available for one of the four garages. Fans can visit marlins.com/parking for more information on Marlins Park public transportation and parking.